8 Vacation destinations that are a direct flight from Ottawa

Travelling to a new destination is an exciting experience! But the idea of running through Toronto Pearson Airport to make a connecting flight is enough to make anyone second guess their travel journey.

So, why not avoid the hassle? By flying nonstop to a destination, you can reduce stress significantly. Say goodbye to your worries with these vacation-worthy spots that have a direct flight from Ottawa International Airport. 

Cancun, Mexico - Cancun (CUN)

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With warm sunny days, countless sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, it's no wonder that people want to escape here on a holiday. Cancun is a popular tropical destination for vacationers, and it's one of the most visited areas in Mexico, according to Forbes. Beyond the picturesque resort stays where you can spend the day relaxing on sandy shores and the nights dancing, there are other cultural and outdoor activities to experience. Go on an ATV jungle adventure, jump into stunning cenotes, sail off into the sunset or explore Mayan ruins during your trip.

Five airlines take off non-stop to Cancun from Ottawa, so you have several options to reach this destination. You can also fly directly from Ottawa to Mazatlan, San Jose del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. 

Paris, France - Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

Cancun beach with boat | iStock

The city of love, lights, and fashion is just a single plane ride away from Ottawa International Airport. Paris is a must-visit city, boasting some of the most famous museums in the world, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, delicious treats like macarons and croissants, and endless romantic views. There is so much to see and do, and if it's your first time visiting Paris, don't miss attractions such as the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, Arc de Triomphe and Chateau de Versailles.

The non-stop Air France flight to Paris leaves the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport multiple times a week, so you can get from one capital to another when it suits you.    

Montego Bay, Jamaica - Montego Bay (MBJ)

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Escape Ottawa's cold winter weather and jet off to this island getaway on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Relax on a shoreline resort admiring the white sands and crystal-clear waters Jamaica is known for.

Or head out on epic day trip adventures. Jungle waterfalls, hidden rainforest rivers, historic estates and open water activities are just some things to explore around Montego Bay. Before you know it, you’ll be ziplining, tubing, golfing, biking or boating under the sun. Not to mention the roaring nightlife you can join if you like to party. Don’t miss visiting Doctor’s Cave Beach, one of the most popular in the area, and dining on some jerk chicken.   

Montego Bay airport is close to beaches and the city and under a five-hour trip from Ottawa. 

Varadero, Cuba Varadero (VRA)

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If you dream of escaping to a warmer climate getaway full of gorgeous beaches, endless sunshine, watersports, cultural tours and resort stays, add Cuba to your travel list. The vacation town of Varadero is a must-visit if you're a beach lover.

Spend time relaxing at the resort or enjoying nearby activities, including scuba diving to coral reefs and shipwrecks. You can also embark on a day trip to places like the capital city of Havana. 

Varadero is one of the tropical destinations that Sunwing Airlines flies to directly from Ottawa, offering multiple departures each week during the winter months so you can escape the cold. Other Cuba locations you can fly to nonstop include Caya Coco, Holguin and Santa Clara.

Orlando, FL Orlando (MCO)

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Ideal for a family-friendly holiday, you can fly directly into the city famous for Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Go beyond the theme parks and try adventures like ziplining, airboat rides, kayaking and animal encounters. A vacation full of sunny adventures is on the horizon.

Multiple airlines fly nonstop to Orlando from Ottawa, with flights nearly daily during the colder months. There are also direct flights to Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Fort Myers.

New York City, NY - Newark (EWR)

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Everyone needs to see the Big Apple once in their life. As you visit iconic spots from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, you'll feel like you're stepping into a movie scene. You'll find adventures across the city no matter what you like to do. Stroll through Central Park, watch a Broadway show, visit the Guggenheim, climb to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center and much more. Don't forget to check out the action in Times Square.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Punta Cana (PUJ)

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Set off to a Caribbean paradise where it's summer year-round in Punta Cana. Known for its endless gorgeous sand beaches, Bavaro Beach is one of the most popular in Punta Cana. It is an ideal destination for an all-inclusive holiday. Spend your days bathing in the sun, snorkelling in crystal waters, jumping into a lagoon cenote, exploring a forested national park, and your evenings sipping tropical drinks.

There are direct flights to Punta Cana most days of the week. If you want to check out another city in the Dominican Republic, you can also find flights to Puerto Plata nonstop from Ottawa.   

Vancouver, BC - Vancouver (YVR)

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Discover Vancouver, a bustling city where you can spend many days relaxing, adventuring and eating. Walk along a giant rainforest suspension bridge at Capilano State Park, rent a bike and ride along the seawall in Stanley Park, take a boat tour from Granville Island, search for fins on a whale-watching time, get a workout hiking Grouse Grind or wander the hiking trails around Lynn Canyon.

Fly direct from Ottawa to Vancouver throughout the year and start enjoying your vacation in under six hours of flight time. Multiple airlines have nonstop flights, so you’ll often have departure time options on a given day. 

Ready to catch a flight from Ottawa?

A CAA Travel Consultant can help plan your dream getaway, book an appointment today to get started.